Supply pod carousel and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

A carousel holder that can include a base, a plurality of column elements attached to the base and extending approximately perpendicularly away from the base, and a plurality of insert slots in each of the column elements, wherein each of the insert slots is configured to receive at least one supply pod.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/585,870 filed on Jan. 12, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a carousel for single-serve cartridges or supply pods for single-serve beverage dispensers, and a method of making the same.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Single serve coffee machines have gained market share in the office, home and home-office settings, as compared to more traditional pot-brewed (e.g., drip-brewed) coffee machines. Single serve coffee machines can have a variety of configurations. For example, some single-serve coffee machines can provide drip-brewed capabilities (e.g., a smaller version of traditional “pot sized” machines), have single-serve coffee pods (e.g., like the Keurig® “K-cup”), or include various other single serve packet designs (e.g., liquid packets by Flavia®).

According to the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of a single-serve supply pod or cartridge dispenser can be provided that can be used alone or in conjunction with other items to store accessories for single-serve beverage dispensers, e.g., accessories needing refrigeration, e.g., milk/cream. Such exemplary embodiments address at least some of the deficiencies of prior single-serve cartridges or pods.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary supply cartridge carousel dispenser for single-serve coffee machines is described.

In certain configurations, the exemplary carousel holder that can include a base, a plurality of column elements attached to the base and extending approximately perpendicularly away from the base, and a plurality of insert slots in each of the column elements, wherein each of the insert slots is configured to receive at least one supply pod.

Each of the columns, in one configuration, can include a plurality of first insert slots provided on an obverse side thereof and a plurality of second insert slots on a reverse side thereof. In other configurations, at least one of the insert slots can be configured to hold the supply pod(s) in a perpendicular manner with respect to an associated one of the column elements. The insert slot(s) can further be configured to hold the supply pod(s) while the columns spin.

In one configuration, the base can be configured to spin so as to spin the columns attached to the base.

Each column element can have a height that ranges from approximately 7 inches to 17 inches. In one configuration, each column can have a height of approximately 12.3 inches. Each column element can have a width that ranges from approximately 1 inch to 8 inches that extends along a front portion of the carousel, and can have a depth generally perpendicular to the width that ranges from approximately 2 inches to 10 inches. In one configuration, each column element can have a depth of approximately 3.7 inches that extends along a side portion of the column element. In some configurations, each column element can have a width of approximately 2.4 inches that extends along a front portion of the column element.

The exemplary carousel, in some configurations, can have a height of approximately 8 inches to approximately 19 inches. In one configuration, the carousel can have a height of approximately 14.5 inches.

In some exemplary configurations, each insert slot can have a radius that ranges from approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. Each insert slot, in one configuration, can have a radius of approximately 1.8 inches.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures showing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary carousel with inserted supply pods, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary carousel without the inserted supply pods;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary carousel;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary carousel;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the exemplary carousel;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the exemplary carousel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary carousel of FIG. 1 with a spin direction arrow;

FIG. 8 is an front view of an exemplary column component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exemplary column component of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the exemplary column component of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front view of another exemplary column component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the other exemplary column component of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an exemplary base portion of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary handle component of an exemplary carousel, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the exemplary handle component of FIG. 14.

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures or the claims(s) appended herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a supply cartridge carousel dispenser can be provided for single-serve beverage supply cartridges (hereinafter “carousel”). The exemplary carousel can include any number of cartridge holders, and FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary carousel according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with three vertical columns 132 of cartridge holders, which can include a holding slot on both an obverse side 110 and a reverse side 115, which can be generally identical to each other. Other exemplary arrangements, such as more or fewer columns, more or fewer slots, more or fewer sides, and/or differing designs per side, can also be possible according to other exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary carousel can spin and/or rotate on a base 120. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the exemplary carousel can spin in the clockwise direction “A” shown by the arrow. In other exemplary configurations, the exemplary carousel can spin in the counterclockwise direction “A”, or in both the clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The exemplary base 120 can have a logo portion 122 that can be configured to receive a logo or a label. The exemplary base 120 can include one logo portion 122, or in other exemplary configurations, at least two logo portions 122 in which one is on the obverse side 110 and one is on the reverse side 115. In other exemplary configurations, the base 120 can include a logo portion 122 without a logo or label, or may not include a logo portion 122. As shown in FIG. 4, the logo portion 122 can have a length 124 that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 5 inches. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the length 124 can be approximately 2.050 inches.

The columns 132 can include receiving spaces 130, and/or can be coupled to the exemplary base 120. The exemplary column 132 can include a connecting portion 133 that can connect the column 132 to the base 120. In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion 133 can connect to the base 120 at a connecting location 131, for example, as shown in FIG. 13. Such exemplary coupling can be effectuated by, e.g., an adhesive, a snap-fit mechanism, or any other suitable means.

The exemplary carousel can include a spacer arranged between two adjacent columns 132 (not shown), which can be made from a number of materials (e.g., rubber), and can reduce or prevent the columns from hitting and/or scratching each other. The exemplary carousel can include a handle 125, which can be attached to or through the spacers and which can hold the handle 125 in place. The handle 125 can also be attached to one or more of the columns 132, e.g., in other exemplary embodiments. As shown in an exemplary configuration of FIGS. 1-5, the exemplary carousel can include one handle 125, for example. In other exemplary configurations, the exemplary carousel can include more than one handle 125. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the exemplary carousel can include two handles 125. The exemplary handle(s) 125 can be made of a solid construction or can be hallow.

The front and perspective view of the handle 125 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the width 147 of the handle 125 can range from, e.g., approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the width 147 can be approximately 2.9 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the width 147 can be approximately 3.03 inches. The handle 125 can also have an inner width 183 that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1.4 inches to approximately 3.5 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the inner width 183 can be approximately 2.5 inches. The height 4 of the handle 125 extending from the top of the exemplary column 125 can be, e.g., approximately 0.775 inches (as shown in FIG. 3). The entire height 185 of the handle 125 (as shown in FIG. 14) can range from, e.g., approximately 13.00 inches to 14.00 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the entire height 185 can be approximately 13.58 inches, and in another configuration, for example, the entire height 185 can be approximately 13.150 inches.

According to one exemplary configuration, the handle 125 can include a handle portion 126 to facilitate gripping the exemplary carousel. The handle portion 126 can have a generally “U” configuration that is curved with a radius 187 of approximately 1.450 inches. The handle portion 126 can also include a height 189 of, e.g., approximately 1.18 inches. The handle portion 126 can include other exemplary configurations, such as a square, rectangular, triangular, or other suitable configuration, that are suitable for facilitating a user to grip the handle portion 126 and hold the exemplary carousel.

Exemplary carousels can be configured and/or structured to hold any number of single-serve cartridges within the receiving spaces 130. In one example, the exemplary carousel shown in FIG. 1 can hold, e.g., 30 individual cartridges 137 (e.g., the 15 shown and 15 on the reverse side), although other exemplary structures can hold various number of cartridges (higher or lower than those described herein). The receiving spaces 130 can be configured to receive cartridges 137 straight in, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the column 132 and parallel to the base 120. In other exemplary configurations, the receiving spaces 130 can be configured to receive cartridges 137 at an angle. The receiving spaces 130 can be dimensioned for a specific cartridge product, such as a K-cup. Such exemplary configuration can facilitate a snug fit of the exemplary coffee pods, which in turn can facilitate the carousel to spin without the pods falling/flying out due to the centrifugal force of the spinning. In one exemplary configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3, the receiving spaces 130 can have a diameter 170 that ranges from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. According to an exemplary configuration, the diameter 170 can be approximately 1.65 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the diameter 170 can be approximately 1.8 inches. In the exemplary carousel, the receiving spaces 130 can be integrated with the columns 132.

In some exemplary configurations of the exemplary dispenser, the exemplary column 132 can be made of various components. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9-12, the exemplary column 132 can be made of two components: a column portion 192 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) and a front plate 194 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). The column portion 192 can include a front plate receiving space 202, for example as shown in FIG. 10, which can be configured and/or structured for receiving the front plate 194 during the assembly of the exemplary carousel. The front plate 194 can include the receiving spaces 130. In one exemplary configuration, the receiving spaces 130 can be spaced at a distance 198 of approximately 0.150 from the edge of the front plate 194. The front plate 194, according to one exemplary embodiment, can have five receiving spaces 130. In one exemplary configuration, the distance 200 between the third or center receiving space 130 and the bottom edge of the front plate 194 can be, e.g., approximately 5.650 inches.

Exemplary carousels can include feet 135 on the base, which can be made from a rubber and/or any other material, e.g., including a material that increases friction between the base and a countertop. The base 120 can include weighting in the bottom, which can keep the unit still when spinning. Exemplary carousels can be a stand alone accessory item to a single-serve beverage dispenser or can be used in conjunction with one or more other accessory items, e.g., all in conjunction with a single-serve beverage dispenser.

Various components of the exemplary carousels can include any number of dimensions, and FIGS. 1-15 illustrate exemplary sets of dimensions for certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in one exemplary configuration, the exemplary base 120 can have a diameter 139 of approximately 7.5 inches. In another exemplary configuration, the exemplary base 120 can have a diameter 139 of approximately 7.480 inches. The height 149 of the exemplary base 120 can range from, e.g., approximately 0.600 inches to approximately 0.700 inches. The height 151 of the exemplary base 120 and label portion 122 can range from, e.g., approximately 0.900 inches to approximately 1.30 inches. The distance 161 between each of the exemplary logo portions 122 (as shown in FIG. 4) can be, e.g., approximately 3.400 inches. The radius 140 can be, e.g., approximately 3.750 inches. The width 141 of the exemplary carousel measured from the far left column 132 to far right column 132 can be, e.g., approximately 8 inches. The depth 143 of each column 132 can range from, e.g., approximately 2 inches to 10 inches. For example, in one configuration, the depth 143 can be approximately 2.96 inches, in another configuration, the depth 143 can be approximately 5 inches, and in yet another configuration, the depth 143 can be approximately 3.7 inches. The distance 145 measured from the center of each connection location 131 can be, e.g., approximately 2.8 inches as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 13. The distance 153 between each receiving space 130 can be, e.g., approximately 0.500 inches. In certain exemplary configurations, as shown in FIG. 3, the height 159 measured from the bottom of the exemplary carousel to the center of the first receiving space 130 can be approximately 2.401 inches, and the height 157 measured from the bottom of the exemplary carousel to the center of the third receiving space 130 can be approximately 7.085 inches.

The height 173 of the exemplary carousel measured from the top of the exemplary column 132 to the bottom of the base 120 can range from, e.g., approximately 7 inches to approximately 17 inches. For example, in one configuration, the height 173 can be approximately 12.8 inches. The height 175 of the exemplary carousel measured from the top of the handle 125 can range from, e.g., approximately 8 inches to 19 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the height 175 can be approximately 13.6 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, for example, the height 175 can be approximately 14.5 inches. The width 177 of the exemplary column 132 can range from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to approximately 8 inches. In one exemplary configuration, the exemplary width 177 can be approximately 2.4 inches, and in another exemplary configuration, the exemplary width 177 can be approximately 1.97 inches. The height 179 of the exemplary column 132 (including a connection portion 133 shown in FIG. 8) can range from, e.g., approximately 7 inches to approximately 17 inches. According to one exemplary configuration, the height 179 can be approximately 12.3 inches. The height 196 of the exemplary column 132 (not including the connection portion 133 as shown in FIG. 10) can range from, e.g., approximately 11.00 inches to 12.00 inches. According to another exemplary configuration, the height 196 can be approximately 11.60 inches, and in another configuration, the height 179 can be approximately 11.61 inches. The top portion of the exemplary column 132 can be curved, for example as shown in FIG. 3. The curved top portion can include a radius 181 of, e.g., approximately 1.200 inches. The exemplary column 132 can have a second inner radius 195 of, e.g., approximately 1.050 inches (as shown in FIG. 8). In some exemplary embodiments, this inner radius 194 can be part of the exemplary column portion 192. The exemplary connection portion 133 of the exemplary column 132 can have a depth 163 ranging from, e.g., approximately 1 inch to 4 inches. For example, in one configuration, the depth 163 can be approximately 2.5 inches (as shown in FIG. 4). The exemplary connecting portion 133 can have a height 165 (including the height of the base 120) of, e.g., approximately 1.200 inches. The exemplary connecting portion 133 can have a width 169 (as shown in FIG. 8) of, e.g., approximately 1.355 inches. The exemplary connection portion 133 can have a height 171 that ranges, e.g., from approximately 0.5 inches to 2 inches. For example, the connection portion 133 can have a height 171 of approximately 0.685 inches (as shown in FIG. 10). In one exemplary configuration, the exemplary connection location 131 can have a diameter 191 of approximately 0.510.

It is appreciated that other dimensions, e.g., for other exemplary embodiments, are also possible. For example, the exemplary carousel could have other suitable dimensions and measurements configured for supporting various sized supply cartridges 137

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, all publications and references referred to above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and text thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, e.g., data and information. It should be understood that, while these words, and/or other words that can be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. The term “about” and “approximately,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer within the range. Further, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it can be explicitly being incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced above can be incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 

What is claimed:
 1. A carousel holder, comprising: a base; a plurality of column elements attached to the base and extending approximately perpendicularly away from the base; and a plurality of insert slots in each of the column elements, wherein each of the insert slots is configured to receive at least one supply pod.
 2. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each of the columns includes a plurality of first insert slots provided on an obverse side thereof and a plurality of second insert slots on a reverse side thereof.
 3. The carousel of claim 1, wherein at least one of the insert slots is configured to hold the at least one supply pod in a perpendicular manner with respect to an associated one of the column elements.
 4. The carousel of claim 3, wherein at least one of the insert slots is configured to hold the at least one supply pod while the columns spin.
 5. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to spin, so as to spin the columns attached to the base.
 6. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each column element has a height that ranges from approximately 7 inches to 17 inches.
 7. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each column element has a height of approximately 12.3 inches.
 8. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each column element has a width that ranges from approximately 1 inch to 8 inches that extends along a front portion of the carousel, and a depth generally perpendicular to the width that ranges from approximately 2 inches to 10 inches.
 9. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each column element has a depth of approximately 3.7 inches that extends along a side portion of the column element.
 10. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each column element has a width of approximately 2.4 inches that extends along a front portion of the column element.
 11. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the carousel has a height of approximately 8 inches to approximately 19 inches.
 12. The carousel of claim 1, wherein the carousel has a height of approximately 14.5 inches.
 13. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each insert slot has a radius that ranges from approximately 1 inch to approximately 4 inches.
 14. The carousel of claim 1, wherein each insert slot has a radius of approximately 1.8 inches. 